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Sunday 18 November 2018

Glen Ogle 33

The Glen Ogle viaduct 
It had been a lovely week, but we had been keeping an eye on the weather forecast, and it didn’t look good. On the start line it was raining cats, dogs, and chickens! I’ve run in fowl weather before so I was prepared!
It’s a race that I’ve run several times now. In fact it’s where I popped my ultra cherry a few years back (don’t go looking that one up….it’s not an injury). It’s an out and back from Killin to Strathyre…a figure of 8 really (you get used to seeing figures of 8 when you run ultras…I’ll never know how some of them beat me!)
Davie, Ruth, and I went up with different expectations. Davie has terrible memories of running this race a few years back when he finished with a touch of hypothermia due to some truly awful weather. He expects bad weather, and he’s almost always rewarded. Ruth (West Highland Way Race legend…..still waiting for the race report Ruth!) hasn’t been running much of late due to a displaced Mojo (that might be an injury), and hoped to use the race as a wee chance to stretch her legs on the trails again. I’ve had a challenging year in terms of injury….in fact my first race this year was not until August (a 42 mile stagger over the latter half of the WHW). I like to come back gently. I have been trying to get my speed up recently (pause for laughs) over shorter distances so wasn’t sure how I’d cope with the 2nd half of the race. It’s all in the preparation though and we got up to Killin in plenty of time to get our usual seat by the open fire at the Falls of Dochart Inn for a bit of pre race hydration.

I read somewhere about the health benefits of Guinness (it may have been on a can of Guinness), so persuaded Davie to have a couple of pints just to make sure we got the full benefit! (I didn't need much persuasion - Davie)





The race team were so concerned about us standing around in what was now, really heavy rain, that the briefing was held indoors.

The BAM team who organise the race have lots of advice for newbies and seasoned runners alike which are designed to get you around safely. Key to getting around seemed to be “MTFU” and “don’t be a fanny!”
BAM-style race directing
My chances of winning the race were given a bit of a set back when on the start line I lost sight of my amigos only to see them at the very back of the field. As is tradition I went back to wish them all the best only to hear the starter’s orders.
As the race began, I found myself way down the field. I‘ve run ultras before and I know it’s better to start slowly and not too fast. But as the race left Killin Main Street and out onto the trail which is predominately uphill, I found it difficult not to get frustrated by folk walking and taking the best underfoot path, forcing anyone running to go around. I guess it’s inevitable as lots of folk are running an ultra for the first time.
There are 4 water stops but you have to bring your own cup! Once you start doing these kinds of races you learn that less is more in terms of nutrition. I tend to think like a marathon runner and stick a couple of gels in my pocket. There’s a option to leave a dropbag at halfway. I usually agonise over what to put in it, and frequently leave most of it on the table.
After 6 miles of climb and descent, mostly on muddy trail, the route takes runners down to the road crossing and over to the long stretch towards the Glen Ogle Viaduct. I have to stress how truly awful the weather was at this point with torrential rain and a fierce headwind.

The route from there takes cycle route 7, over the viaduct, and gently down to Strathyre. At this point, the field stretches out a bit as people find their own pace. It’s a chance to chat to folk. I find the ultra running community, on the whole, a very nice bunch of folk. Conversations cover a wide range of topics but mainly “injuries I currently have that have to be taken into account” and “races that I have taken part in carrying an injury”.

As we got closer to halfway, it was now wetter than a wet day in Wetsville, and hopes of keeping the feet dry long since gone. I was feeling ok at the checkpoint which rather cruelly seemed to be about 18 miles in. The “second half” of the race is mostly a long gradual ascent for about 11 miles, with occasional steep climbs. It was at this point where I think the health benefits of Guinness began to kick in. I suspect my lack of miles may have become evident at this point too. On the slow drag back I became aware of a familiar face running alongside me. Those of you who help out at the juniors will know Graeme Lindsay, who although not strictly speaking a Harrier, has strong connections to the club. We spent an hour or so passing each other and offering encouraging words before he left me with about 2 miles to go.
  The last 3 miles are downhill trail before finishing on the playing field in Killin. It was still raining but as I crossed the line Ruth was there to greet me. She had run for about an hour on the trail, and run back. Not sure if she found her Mojo, but it was nice to see her back. I was huckled inside for a welcome cup of soup and to collect the goodie bag and medal. Those of you who know me, will know I’ve got a thing about medals. As has sadly become the custom nowadays, it was hidden somewhere in the bag. I fished it out and asked a nice race official to place it around my neck - it’s my thing. After a wee recovery, I went over to get my dry gear from the car, just in time to see Davie finish. As is now our practice, we quickly got changed in the gents, and went in for a cup of tea. For the record, the race was won by Shaun Cumming in 3hrs 58:55. First lady home was Alison Rowatt in 4:11:27 and 5th place overall. I finished in 5:43:35, 134th of 379 starters and Davie in 6:20:28, 229th . I’m still drying my gear out...
Might as well finish with another picture of alcohol
Race report by Jim M

Brampton 2018 Photo Gallery


An album of pre-race, race and post-race activities is here.
Alan

BRAMPTON BUS

The bus will leave at 8 am DONT BE LATE.

Saturday 17 November 2018

TCS New York City Marathon 2018

Checking my emails one night in January I noticed one from a running magazine saying that entries had opened for the New York marathon. Out of curiosity I checked to see what the  qualifying time was. It was only a few minutes slower than my London time. However, it also said that only qualifying times achieved in the New York Road Runners organised races would be guaranteed entry. Once these guaranteed places had been allocated, qualifying times achieved in other races, including London, would then be given on a first come basis for any places left over. At that point I had no idea how long the entry had been open and how quickly it would fill up. So really on an impulse I filled in the application not really expecting to get in and not thinking on how it would clash with other events I had planned to do. I also thought I'd better check with Mandy to see if she had any plans for us in November. I said to her that I'll probably not get in but in the unlikely event that I'm offered a place   would she be up for it? She thought about it for about half a second and said YES PLEASE.

Two weeks later I got confirmation that I was in and panic started to set in, as I'd not really  thought it through. My "A" race of the year was always going to be the European Triathlon  Championships in Glasgow, which was now going to be right in the middle of marathon  training. Plus I also had the European Duathlon and Aquathlon Championships in Ibiza, which finished a week and a half before New York. I tried to work out a training plan, but it was always going to be a compromise. I was really excited about the European Triathlon champs. Qualifying for a home championships, especially at Strathclyde Park, where I spend  half my life training was always going to be special and would come first. The rest would just have  to fall into place.

I worked out a 20 week training plan, also based around the Scottish/British Triathlon champs  and warm up events for Strathclyde Park. Generally my training consisted of an intense,  long Sunday run, which was mainly at anticipated marathon pace. Then an easy bike and swim to recover on Monday, followed by a steady bike on Tuesday. On Wednesday I had  just about recovered from my Sunday run. So I would do fast interval runs ranging from 1 to 3 minute efforts as preparation for the 5k triathlon race runs. Then Thursday would be a tough swim and Friday was an eyeballs out bike time trial or intervals around the Strathclyde Park bike course. I then had Saturday off. Basically this meant my marathon training consisted of only two runs a week, which I wasn't convinced would be enough.

For the first time I can remember I managed to tick off every planned training session smoothly. It included my 4 longest runs being 20 miles or over. So training had gone as well as I'd hoped although, because of the races in Ibiza, my last long run couldn't be later than 5 weeks before New York, which probably wasn't ideal.

I didn't have any expectations for New York. I felt prepared but knew I had compromised and just wanted to enjoy the experience. A decent time would just be a bonus. Naively I  also thought the New York course would be flat. I knew there were a few climbs over the  Bridges but how hard can a bridge be? It was only until I spoke to a guy on the bus on the way to the start that I realised it was going to be tougher than I thought. He casually said that he  previously got his best results by walking the bridges. I started to think that they must be a lot harder than I was expecting.

Race day started with a 5.30am queue in midtown Manhattan along with thousands of others waiting for the convoy of buses to take us to the start in Staten Island. The race has 3 pick up points, the other options being the Staten Island ferry or a New Jersey pick up. For me the bus from Manhattan seemed the most convenient and comfortable option. And Mandy very kindly got up at 4.30am with me to wave me off at the bus pick up point as spectators weren’t allowed at the race start. It was about a 60 minute bus journey to the starting village. I was looking forward to a relaxing trip enjoying the views and just chilling with my pre-pared bowl of porridge. However, it is the USA and   everyone is chatty. The guy next to me was a New Yorker, so he was always going to be chatty, especially as they love the Scottish accent. He was actually great for pre-race info as he'd done it 5 times, and even mentioned that he was having a post-race party. I'm sure we could've blagged an invitation if I'd been up for it.

The starting village in Fort Wadsworth was huge as it had to cater for up to 60,000 runners. Due to the bus timing schedule I had no choice but to be there over 3 hours before the race start. I think it was just Russell karma, getting me back for all my late race turn ups over the years. Thankfully the village was very comfortable with free tea/coffee, bagels, fruit, energy drinks/gels and Dunkin Donuts beanie hats to keep you warm. There were even hand warmer packets and, as it was only 7 degrees, I stuffed a few into my gloves and socks. They definitely kept the chill off. That along with my throw away clothes. The race organisers are  understandably not too keen on transporting 60,000 bags from the start to finish lines. So they tempt you to forgo this option. Instead they would give you a very nice warm lined waterproof souvenir poncho at the finish. By doing this you have to discard your warm up clothes in charity boxes at the start. I had searched through my cupboard and found a 2006 Rouken Glen race T shirt, a 2007 National cross country long sleeved shirt, a pair of 90's Ronhill leggings complete with toe straps and a View From shell suit type running jacket (at least I was easy for Mandy to spot in the bus queue!! It seemed like a good swap to me though. The only downside was looking like an extra from Miami Vice (the Don Johnson one) in the starting village until just before the starting cannon went off. There were loads of these charity donation boxes about the village in the unlikely event that someone wanted my cast offs.

The race organisers seemed to have thought about everything in the starting village. There  are even therapy dogs walking about to de-stress anyone who needs calming down at the  thought of running a marathon. I have also never seen so many portaloos. There were virtually no queues until an hour before race start. Even then, the starting pens were opened about 25 minutes before the start. The portaloos in there were also virtually empty when I  had a late pit stop. The only queue that caught me out a bit late on was for coffee to get that last minute caffeine boost, but by then I was on my third cup.

About 15 mins before the start there was an approx half mile walk/jog to the start line, which  was really ideal as a final warm up. This eventually got me about 100m from the elite starting line, which was just close enough to hear the introductions. As we were waiting to start, people started looking about to check out other runners near them. One guy said to me, "Hey man, where are Calderglen Harriers from?" Not surprisingly that was the only  mention of my Harriers vest for the day. Although it did help Mandy spot me on the course.

Conditions were almost ideal, about 8 degrees at race start time and quite calm. There was a rendition of star spangled banner, then the extra loud starting cannon fired and we were off.  Frankie boy was belting out New York, New York as I passed the start line. Unlike London at the start, it seemed to take ages to get moving and cross the start line. It was obvious that hundreds of runners in front had no idea of a realistic predicted finish time. If in doubt they must have just put down 3 hours. It wasn't long before the first climb of the day. A few metres after the start you are on the Verrazzano-Narrows bridge. It's a huge suspension bridge connecting Staten Island to Brooklyn. Similar to the Forth Road Bridge but longer. It is a one mile climb to the midpoint, then one mile downhill afterwards. It was very congested during this stage and you were forced to jog for most of the climb, which probably wasn't a  bad thing. If you got a bit of space then you were constantly passing the runners who had  started too near the front. I even saw one runner walking up the climb. He was ahead of me, so must have predicted a sub 3.10 time??

You just have to accept you will lose a minute or so to your predicted pace in the first 2 miles. The race only really gets going when you arrive in Brooklyn. Then it is pretty flat for the  next 11 miles. Every now and then you would feel it getting slightly tougher and you knew you must be on a slight incline, although it was hard to tell visually. Then at the half way point you cross the Pulaski bridge into Queens, which had approx 400m of climbing. From mile 2 until this point I had been virtually going my predicted pace of 7 min miling. I felt comfortable and was just counting down the miles, but this bridge definitely had my legs complaining. I did recover on the downhill and was then back into my zone of 7 min miling. Then at mile 15-16 came the Queensboro Bridge from Queens into Manhattan. A beast of a bridge, just coming at the wrong time. This one had about 800m of climbing and my legs were seriously starting to suffer. Again the downhill gave you some recovery. Then it was onto the best part of the course, flat for about 4 miles along 1st Avenue in Manhattan, where the crowds were big and loud.

My pace was starting to drop a bit on this section to approx 7.15. Pre-race I had arranged with  Mandy for her to spectate around about the 17 mile marker, so I was then scouring the crowds for a bright pink jacket. It all went to plan and we spotted each other for a much needed hug and words of encouragement. Then I was back in the zone until the next pain in the butt bridge at 20 miles going from Manhattan into the Bronx. Again this was another tester of about 400m climb. My legs were really struggling and just didn't recover on the downhill. I was in serious bother, six miles to go and my legs were just about packing it in. There was another bridge at about 21 miles from the Bronx back into Manhattan, but my head was so down I can't even remember it. Pace was now down to 8.30 and I just wanted to walk. We have all been there and you just tough it out.  I managed to keep this pace going and then from about miles 22-24 we were into 5th Avenue alongside Central Park. At the race briefing we were told there was a slight incline from miles 23-24. SLIGHT INCLINE, by then even going over the timing mats seemed like a mountain. So this 1 mile climb was like Everest. Mandy had made her way to mile 25 and apparently was cheering as I ran by but my head was down and I didn’t hear her. After what seemed like an eternity I summited the climb and turned right into Central Park. That initially gave me a lift, but my  head was quickly down again as more climbs appeared. There must've been downhill's, but I never noticed them. It was all pretty much rolling from there until the finish. Amazingly, as  happens to us all, I was into the last half mile and feeling OK again. Why does your head do  that to you? From mile 26 until the finish there was another tough climb, but the grandstands just pull you up and across the finish line. I pushed up the final hill to make sure I dipped  under 3.20.

Finish time was 3.19.39. This was slower than I'd hoped, but on reflection the course seemed like a brute to me. Although the elites make it look flat, mind blowing how good they are. Maybe I had compromised a bit too much with other events and my lack of running strength was found out on the hills. I'm certainly not disappointed, my main goals were to enjoy the  experience and survive injury free. It also still gives me qualifying times for London, Boston, Chicago and New York if I want it again.

All in all it was a fantastic experience. It was a privilege to take part in the world’s biggest marathon. From race build up to post race celebrations, the event just felt huge. Bigger than anything I've previously experienced. You always felt you were taking part in something  special.

It was inevitable that I'd make comparisons to London. Once you are out on the course ticking off the miles, both are quite similar, with the crowds, music and general atmosphere. Both courses are iconic and spectacular. Pre-race Expos are also about the same size and organisation in both is exceptional. The starting village and security in New York were much bigger and the race itself felt bigger. Also the New York race start going over the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and seeing the Manhattan skyline from the top was breath taking………but give me a flatter London course any day of the week. London also wins in value for money. New York is expensive or maybe it is just that New York is good value,  as you can see where the money goes, and London is exceptional value. Another London plus is that race nutrition is given in bottles and, selfishly, much easier to drink out of on the move. New York liquids are given in paper cups, which you can never completely master, but are obviously an environmentally friendly option. A good tip I was given is to squeeze the  cup together at the top to create a funnel. A lot more then goes in your mouth than up your  nose.

New York, New York, so good they named it twice. Hopefully one day I'll do it twice. For now I'm still on a marathon high. I was checking the Abbott 6 major marathons of the world series at the Expo. I've now ticked off 1/3 of these races and I'm now seriously tempted to tick off Chicago  and Boston in the next year and a half. I'll take it from there as Berlin and Tokyo could be  harder to get in. Gerry McParland was telling me that the qualifying time for Berlin is seriously tough, 2.55 in my 50-59 age group, so that will be a big issue. He did rub it in by saying that he's already got that qualifying time. I can only tip my hat to greatness.

Finally many thanks to my amazing support crew in Mandy, she definitely ticked all my boxes.
Martin

Monday 12 November 2018

WEST DISTRICT XC CHAMPIONSHIP

This years championship will be held in Kilmarnock at the Ayrshire Athletics Arena on Saturday 8th December.
A slight change to proceedings this year that both men and women will run 8.5k.
The Ladies race will start at 1.15pm and the men at 2.15pm.
Cost is £7.00 per head and should be paid in advance.
I require names by Monday 19th November so don't delay on putting your name down.
If you wish entered leave your name HERE.
Those already registered are listed HERE.

LONDON MARATHON CLUB PLACE

Calderglen Harriers has again secured a place in the Virgin London Marathon 2019.
Anyone who entered the ballot to gain entry to the event and was unsuccessful can enter a draw to get this club place.
The draw will be done after the Brampton race on the 18th Nov during dinner in Moffat.

To enter this draw please show your rejection email to either Russell, Frances or Kenny before this day and if your successful will be given the details on how to enter under the club place.

Good luck to all in the draw.

Sunday 11 November 2018

Brampton Stats

As Calderglen Harriers taper down for our 35th consecutive visit to the Brampton to Carlisle 10 mile road race, have some fun looking back on the stats from all of our performances over the years at this link.

Use the "Filter" button to find yourself or specific years or gender results. Note that in 2009 the course was flooded so the route was shortened to about 9 miles. For the first few years (1984/85), we did not have times, just a list of names.

Some interesting stats I have discovered:

  • This is Chas Steven's 34th Brampton to Carlisle. Chas' fastest time was 65:21 in 1990. 
  • This is Gerry Mullen's 33rd Brampton. Gerry's fastest time was 65:10 in 2002.
  • More Mullens have run BtoC in a Calderglen vest than any other family!
  • 2018 is the 30th anniversary of the fastest recorded time by a Calderglen Harrier - Raymond Johnston running 49:51 to finish something like 5th or 6th, such was the standard that year. 2018 is also the 30th anniversary of my first BtoC!
  • Julie Beveridge holds the three fastest times by a Calderglen Lady - 65:24, 65:38 and 65:45 in 2016, 2017 and 2014 respectively.

There are many other interesting stats to be found.
Alan


Jimmy Irvine Bella 10k

Jimmy Irvine Bella 10k - 11/11/18

Four Harriers were out today taking part in the Jimmy Irvine Bella 10k hosted by Bellahouston Road Runners.  The scores on the doors are: -

Ian Hughes, 41.46
Paul Rooney, 47.01
Morgan Beaton, 51.37
Lucy Saez, 56.42

Link to results: https://www.stuweb.co.uk/race/22b

Well done to all taking part and especially to Morgan & Lucy. Both graduates from the junior section and are really enjoying their running, experimenting with longer races now. I am sure as they continue with this pursuit they will only get better.

Saturday 10 November 2018

A DAY AT THE GEE GEES

The Harriers trotted off to Lanark racecourse today for the National short course xc.
The weather was mostly dry and the course pan flat with next to no mud ( this was one for the sprinters ).  After some junior races it was the Ladies up next with the men taking up supporting places just before the end of the lap and subsequently just before the finish. As they came to the end of lap one Karen had a healthy lead over Kay and not far behind was a trio in close running order of Frances, Allison L and Lorraine sticking close to their heels. A little gap then to Sandy and a further gap to Alison J. Would there be any change on lap 2. We didn't have to wait long to find out as they were all running fast and first into sight was Karen Allen finishing in 16.51 and not far behind Kay Conneff with 17.04. A little gap to Alison Lessells who had passed Frances Ferguson but good close racing to the finish with 17.39 and 17.44. Lorraine Buchanan had not lost much on the pair on the 2nd lap running a fantastic 17.58. A little while to wait and Sandy Hayden came home in 20.37 and Alison Johnston completing our line up with 24.06.

No time to chat about how the course was and the Men were off at a good gallop down a long straight of a start. This course has no sharp turns and as said before is pan flat so round the first bend and I was about 15 metres down on Gordon with a good part of the field still behind me and the other Harriers opening up a bit of a gap. About half way round lap 1 I passed Gordon and just kept the head down as I thought he would be waiting to pounce at the first sign of weakness. Passing the Ladies now cheering us on was great as your giving it everything and any encouragement is gratefully received. Lap 2 and just trying to keep my place in the Field and even a couple of passes. Having been last in this event before it was a good feeling to know there was a lot behind me. Round towards the finish passing our cheering Ladies again and over the line. Wow delighted with my time and position in the field. The men finished with Mark Saez  14.35, Andrew Buchanan  14.52, Alan Cullie  16.33, Kenny Leinster 16.58,  Jim Holmes  17.05, Richard Lawton  17.53,  Russell Couper  18.38, Gordon McInally  19.21 and John Boyd  20.51

There were 206 finishers in the Ladies race and 470 in the Mens. It wasn't so long ago this event had fields of under 50 for the Ladies and under 100 for the Men so well done to Scottish Athletics for developing this event into a seriously good championship. Thanks today go to Joanne McEvoy who despite feeling ill came down to support us so Thanks Joanne and to Kay's kids who always entertain us while waiting to run.

Thursday 8 November 2018

National Short Course XC

This Saturday is the National Short Course XC at Lanark.
Ladies race is at 1.10pm and the Men at 1.35pm.
I will pick up the numbers and chips and take them to the course.
Can everyone be there for 12.20 to allow time for number distribution and warm up.
If anyone can no longer make it please let me know so im not collecting numbers then having to return them.
Jim Holmes and Gordon McInally will be leaving from the Sports Club at 11.30 if anyone wants to travel together with them.

Tuesday 6 November 2018

Christmas Handicap Fun Run 2018

Date for your diary.......
 
I have organised this year's Christmas Fun Run at the Sports Club for Sunday 16th December which is only 6 weeks away. So start thinking of costume ideas.

This year we are back to tradition and having the event the morning after the club Christmas Do so a real handicap for some runners! Might need to get Jim Mearns's water station from the Trail race strategically positioned on the course to avoid people running with sore heads and post party dehydration.

This year we will also revert to meeting in the function suite (which I am positive I have booked it!) to compare and discuss costumes and tactics!

As usual the better the fancy dress the more consideration Alan will give to your time handicap. The
the function suite will be open from 9.30am and our first event will be the Juniors followed by the Senior run.
 
The juniors will start for 10am with senior race at 11am. 
 
As usual for the junior and senior races its bring a prize and receive a prize.
 
Richard

Saturday 3 November 2018

BRAMPTON TO CARLISLE ROAD RACE

Our annual trip to Brampton for the 10 mile race will be on Sunday 18th November.
It will be the usual format of the coach leaving the Sports Club at 8am to give us plenty time for arrival and warm up before the 11.30 start. Due to the early start time we will not have time for a pre race stop so bring something to eat and drink onto the coach.
To those new to the Harriers this is a full day out with the coach taking us to the start and meeting us at the finish in Carlisle where we will have a couple of hours to spend in the nearby hostelry to partake in some fluid replenishment then up to Moffat for Dinner in the Star Hotel and back to East Kilbride Sports Club for about 8pm.
The cost for your place on the coach is £15 and your entry for the race will either be £15 or £17 depending on your SA status. Dinner will be £12ish but will be paid on the day.
To reserve your seat on the coach please see me at the club with your £15 and bring your entry form and fee to me also and I will enter them as a block entry. Latest day for me to receive entry forms is Monday 5th Nov. Non participants and friends are welcome too.
Entry forms are here. http://borderharriers.co.uk/app/webroot/uploads/File/B2C-2018-entry-form-A.pdf  
Seats on the coach will be reserved with the £15 payment